The highly publicized beef between rap titans Kendrick Lamar and Drake has captivated fans and critics alike, culminating in a series of explosive tracks and fiery exchanges. The feud, which simmered for a decade, finally erupted into a full-blown confrontation, leaving the hip-hop community divided over who emerged victorious.
Kendrick Lamar’s incendiary track “Not Like Us,” released on May 4, 2024, set the tone for the feud. The song, with its explosive allegations questioning Drake’s conduct with young women, quickly permeated popular culture. The song’s impact was immediate, being dissected on social media, played at NBA games, and boomed from DJ booths worldwide. The nine-track exchange between the two rappers saw accusations of domestic violence, secret children, and more, all vehemently denied by both parties.
The feud intensified with Lamar’s verse on “Like That” by Future and Metro Boomin, which prompted Drake’s retaliatory track “Push Ups,” belittling Lamar’s status as a rap legend. The back-and-forth continued with Drake’s controversial “Taylor Made Freestyle,” utilizing AI-generated voices of Lamar’s heroes Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur, escalating the tension. Drake’s taunts about Lamar’s deference to Taylor Swift’s album release further fueled the animosity.
Music blogger Minou Itseli, also known as Mimi The Music Blogger, noted the long-standing indirect shots between the two artists. “They’ve been sending indirect shots to each other in their music a lot more than we first thought,” she remarked, highlighting the escalating conflict.
Lamar’s response, “Euphoria,” targeted Drake’s parenting skills, plastic surgery rumors, and AI use. This track resonated with fans and was even used in a TikTok video for President Joe Biden’s campaign against Donald Trump. Lamar’s “6:16 In LA” further intensified the feud, threatening to expose Drake’s character with help from within Drake’s own label.
Itseli praised Lamar’s strategic approach, stating, “Kendrick knew what to bring to the table and went for the kill.” Lamar’s lyrical prowess and ability to cater to different audiences gave him an edge, she added.
Drake’s counter, “Family Matters,” attacked Lamar’s family, alleging that his son is actually the child of Lamar’s creative partner, Dave Free, and accusing Lamar of domestic abuse. These claims, denied by Lamar, pushed the beef into uncomfortable territory for many observers.
The feud’s personal nature drew criticism from music journalist Alphonse Pierre, who emphasized the impact on the women involved, stating, “Drake and Kendrick are not thinking about that at all. To them, this is all just material for jokes and trolling.”
Lamar’s “Meet The Grahams” further delved into Drake’s personal life, accusing him of gambling, drinking, and using the diabetic drug Ozempic for weight loss. Lamar’s final salvo, “Not Like Us,” packed with damning accusations, became the number one song on Spotify’s global chart shortly after its release.
Drake’s “The Heart Part 6” served as his final rebuttal, seemingly concluding the beef. Fans and critics remain divided on who won, with some praising Lamar for his lyrical depth and others commending Drake for his resilience.
Joseph “JP” Patterson, editor-in-chief of Complex UK, declared Lamar the winner, noting, “Kendrick won this battle. Both dragged each other to hell with their lyrical jabs, but it’s undeniable who came out on top.”
Itseli echoed this sentiment, stating, “Kendrick proved he cares about the art of rap music and can do it in his sleep. He has earned the respect of many.”
However, rap commentators like DJ Akademiks sided with Drake, arguing that the rules of battle were unfairly changed for Lamar. “If what he’s said is complete lies, it takes away from what he’s saying,” Akademiks remarked.
Regardless of who is deemed the winner, the beef has undoubtedly entertained the world and solidified the legacies of both Kendrick Lamar and Drake as generational rap artists.
